Adath Israel Congregation has appointed Rabbis Karen Kriger Bogard and Daniel Bogard as associate rabbis.
They are returning to Cincinnati after serving as co-rabbis at Congregation Anshai Emeth in Peoria, IL for the past five years. Rabbi Daniel served as Rabbinic Intern at Adath Israel Congregation from 2009 to 2011 while completing his Rabbinic studies at Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion. While in Congregation Anshai Emeth, they helped to grow the congregation by 50%. They believe that their innovative job-share model is a key to their success, allowing each of them to focus on their own particular skills and talents within the rabbinate.
Rabbi Karen Kriger Bogard said, “She deeply believes that no matter what our backgrounds are, Judaism belongs to us all. As a rabbi, I have made it my mission to educate children of all ages–and their families–on how to meaningfully incorporate the rhythms of a Jewish life into their homes.”
She served as Director of Judaics and Talmud/Hebrew Instructor for Peoria Hebrew Day School, as Director of Anshai Emeth’s Religious School and also served on the Executive Board of the Interfaith Alliance of Central Illinois. Rabbi Karen Kriger Bogard is a Brickner Social Justice fellow, in a joint program among The National Jewish Center for Leadership and Learning, the Religious Action Center, and the Union for Reform Judaism.
Rabbi Daniel Bogard, said, “My passion is the power of Talmud Torah to bring inspiration and depth to our daily lives.” His focus in Peoria was on adult learning and study, with a particular focus on personal growth. In addition to being co-rabbi, he served as the director of Bradley University’s Hillel, and as an adjunct professor of religious studies at Bradley University.
At 33, Rabbi Daniel Bogard recently became the youngest Senior Fellow of the Shalom Hartman Institute, joining a small group of fellows, including the leadership of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, Union for Reform Judaism, Central Conference of American Rabbis, the Rabbinical Assembly, Yeshivat Maharat, and Yeshivat Chovaveh Torah.
The Bogards are parents of three young children, Gavi, Yaeli, and Noa, all of whom will be attending Rockwern Academy in the coming school year.
“For us, being a rabbinic family means that, in a very organic way, we welcome our community not just into our home but also into our family, showing that Judaism is personal, familial, and heimish (friendly and informal)” says Rabbi Karen Kiger Bogard.
They said they are excited about being a part of the Adath Israel Congregation community.
A kiddush luncheon in their honor will follow Shabbat morning services on August 13.
Adath Israel Congregation is at 3201 E. Galbraith Road.
